Aston Villa clinched a top‑five finish with a 4-2 victory over Liverpool at Villa Park, sealing Champions League qualification. Ollie Watkins delivered a second‑half brace, his first goal opening the scoring and a close‑range finish after a saved Pau Torres shot. John McGinn added a fourth from the edge of the box, completing a dominant display. The win also pushed Villa to 12 points clear of the chasing pack.

Liverpool’s collapse exposed defensive frailties that have haunted them all season. Conceding four goals marks their first such tally since a 4‑4 draw with Southampton in 2022‑23, while the total of 52 goals allowed this campaign is the highest since 2004‑05. Virgil van Dijk’s header reduced the deficit, but the Reds could not recover. Luis Díaz’s missed chances and a post‑hit by Rio Ngumoha epitomised Liverpool’s wasted opportunities.

Emir’s side now turns its attention to Wednesday’s Europa League final, already guaranteed a place among Europe’s elite. Liverpool must secure a win over Brentford on the final league day to keep Champions League hopes alive, a scenario that underscores the precarious nature of their campaign. A victory would also guarantee a top‑four finish, a rare achievement for Villa in the last decade. Villa’s triumph confirms their resurgence under Unai Emery.